Maintaining a live-service game is a grueling cycle of constant updates, hotfixes, and community management. As Warframe celebrates 13 years of operation, Creative Director Rebecca Ford is keeping a pragmatic eye on the industry, especially following the sudden conclusion of Destiny 2 earlier this year.
Speaking with GamesRadar+ at TennoCon 2026, Ford addressed the abrupt end of Bungie’s sci-fi shooter, which saw its final update in June. The closure followed reports that Sony took a $765 million impairment loss on the studio, resulting in significant layoffs. For Ford, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the volatility inherent in the current video game economy.
The Reality of Creative Control
"You can be as wise as those that came before you, you can learn from those who have not continued on, and the truth is always somewhere in the middle of it," Ford said during the interview. "Just try and make a good game before they kick you out."
Ford admitted that the lack of total autonomy over a game’s lifespan is a constant source of pressure. "The idea that we aren't in charge of our own goodbye is something I wake up thinking about every single day," she explained. For Ford, the case of Destiny 2 demonstrates that even when a team is deeply invested in their work, the business side of the industry often holds the final say.
Building a Team from Within
Despite the industry-wide instability, Digital Extremes has maintained a specific internal structure. Ford noted that the studio’s leadership team is comprised of longtime employees who started in entry-level positions, including her own progression from community management to her current creative role.
"None of us signed up for this, but we do it because it must be done, and we trust each other," Ford said. This internal cohesion remains a priority as the studio continues to navigate the challenges of both office-based and remote work. While the studio has faced layoffs in the past, Ford believes that the unique perspective of leaders who rose through the company ranks helps the team maintain its focus as they continue to support Warframe.
As TennoCon continues to grow in scale, the game remains a staple in the live-service space, with its free-to-play model and balance cited as key factors in its longevity. For now, the team at Digital Extremes continues to operate under the pragmatic philosophy that they must keep making a good game while they have the opportunity to do so.